World champion Paul hits the target
A SOUTH Elmsall shooter has been crowned as an air rifle world champion.
Paul James, 40, of Guinevere Drive, picked up the trophy after shooting 111 of 150 targets in the three-day competition.
The Pontefract Air Rifle Club member came top of his category at the Air Rifle World Championships in Armagh City, Northern Ireland.
He said: “I was chuffed to win. I’ve competed in the world championships before but last time I was runner-up.
“It was a very testing course and the targets were all at different distances. We had three minutes to shoot down two targets before moving on to another part of the course.
“I had to take the wind and weather into consideration, but those things make it more interesting. The course took me through gardens, fields and woodland, where it was really dark.”
Competitors from 12 countries turned out for the event.
Mr James practised for the competition in his back garden and at shooting ranges provided by the air rifle club.
He added: “I enjoy shooting immensely. I used to shoot in my back garden from the age of 13 and I’d recommend it to anyone who has an air rifle. My wife and daughter both do it.
“When I first started field target shooting it was a relatively new sport. I’ve done it for so long now that I’ve also taken up coaching to share my experiences.”
Mr James said he looked forward to competing in the Northeast regional competitions in the spring and defending his title at the world championships in South Africa next year.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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